Press Releases

Posted on September 26, 2007

Washington, D.C.

U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Bob Corker (R-TN) joined U.S. Representative John Tanner (D-TN-08) today in applauding $225,000 in grant funding for community development projects in Obion County under the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Federal Grant Program.
The grant awarded to Obion County will be used to improve rail transportation and promote economic development in the area by providing a rail switch connection for Ethanol Grain Processors which will rely heavily on rail to receive raw product and ship finished product.
“This grant means jobs and growth for Obion County,” said Alexander, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which sets funding levels for the program. “I’m pleased to see the Delta Regional Authority is continuing to invest in transportation and economic development in the Volunteer State.”
"This grant will help support new ethanol fuel production in Tennessee," said Corker. "In August, I toured the construction of Ethanol Grain Processors, which will produce corn-based transportation fuel for industrial and consumer use starting next fall. I appreciate the Delta Regional Authority's investment in infrastructure improvements that will help secure America's energy future."
“One of the most important investments we can make for the security and prosperity of our communities is quality infrastructure around which private industry can continue to thrive,” said Tanner. “I am proud of the economic progress we are making and know that with programs such as these, we will continue making Northwest Tennessee a great place for our families.”
Ethanol Grain Processors, LLC, which is expected to create 40 full-time jobs at the start of ethanol production, will be receiving and shipping in excess of 20 rail cars per day.
The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) helps economically distressed communities in eight states to improve their basic infrastructure, transportation, business development and job training services through additional federal and state dollars. The federal DRA co-chairman determines eligibility for submitted pre-applications, and the governor of each state selects funding recipients in accordance with the state’s DRA economic plan.
Congress annually appropriates funding for DRA operations and its federal grant program, which is allocated between eight states including Tennessee.